Sunday, June 7, 2009

Hezbollah defeated in Lebanese elections

Initial reports from Lebanon are indicating that the March 14 Coalition, an alliance of pro-Western Sunni Muslim, Christian, and Druze political parties have maintained slim parliamentary lead over a rival coalition (the March 8 Coalition) including Hezbollah during Sunday's nationwide elections. Preliminary results showed that March 14 would be awarded approximately 70 of the 128 seats in Lebanon's parliament. Voter turnout was estimated at 55%. Despite Hezbollah's defeat, the political/militant organization will remain a powerful force in Lebanese politics and may be invited into a national unity government.